Introduction of cecropin B gene into rice (Oryza sativa L.) by particle bombardment and analysis of transgenic plants

An expression vector pCBl suitable for rice transformation, harboring a synthesized cecropin B gene and a selectable marker gene (bar), was constructed. It was introduced into immature embryos of two japonica varieties by particle bombardment, and several transgenic plants were obtained. The results from Basta treatment, PCR analysis, dot and Southern blot analysis of cecropin B gene in transgenic plants indicated that both bar and cecropin B gene were integrated into the genome of transformed plants. Northern blot analysis of transgenic plants showed the expression of cecropin B gene at transcriptional level. Some of transgenic plants revealed improved resistances to two types of bacterial diseases, rice bacterial blight and rice bacterial streak to different extent.